Calgary's Shooting Range Closure

In a disheartening turn of events for Calgary’s firearm community, The Shooting Edge Inc., a well-known shooting range and gun store, has officially announced its closure after an impressive 25-year run. The owner, J.R. Cox, revealed that the business will soon file for bankruptcy, bitterly reflecting on his personal struggles in this challenging economic climate.

Factors Contributing to Closure

Cox cited several factors contributing to the closure, primarily pointing to recent federal gun-control legislation that significantly restricted the entry of new gun owners into Alberta. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic inflicted substantial financial damage, and the rent for their facility skyrocketed. While the monthly rent was $61,000 in 2021, it jumped to $95,000 and is projected to exceed $100,000 next year, making it increasingly unsustainable.

Decline in Membership

Membership at the shooting range has dwindled significantly, dropping from a healthy figure of around 1,200 full members to a concerning rate of attrition as high as 200 members each year since the passage of Bill C-21. This bill not only affected the transfer of handguns among family members but also included definitions that marginalized firearms popular among hunters and sport shooters alike. The backlash against these legislative changes has been fierce, with many in the community feeling cornered by regulations constraining their hobbies.

Financial Impact

Cox, a former reserve member of the Currie Armoury in Calgary and vocal advocate for Alberta gun users, mentioned that the decline in membership severely impacted revenues, which plummeted from $6 million in the early 2010s to as low as $3 million in recent years. He attributed part of this decline to the growing competition from online firearms dealers, which have increasingly captured the market share.

Gun Control Debate in Canada

The news of the shooting range's closure resonates strongly against the backdrop of ongoing debates surrounding gun control in Canada. Federal lawmakers have introduced amendments over the past few years that have provoked widespread discontent among enthusiasts. The most controversial changes in 2023 attempted to redefine what constitutes an 'assault-style' firearm and sought to enforce more rigorous control over existing gun ownership, inciting protests and calls to action from advocates.

Looking to the Future

Though the federal government has reversed some prior restrictions following public backlash, the cumulative effects of these laws have left businesses like The Shooting Edge vulnerable. The shooting community in Calgary is now left to grapple with the consequences of tighter regulations.

Final Reflections

As Cox prepares to shift his focus to his operations in Ontario, he has expressed no hope for a revival of The Shooting Edge under the current circumstances. "There’s no coming back from this," he stated, emphasizing the dire state of firearms businesses amidst evolving legislation.

Community Reaction

As the community mourns this loss, many are left wondering how Canadian gun enthusiasts can protect their rights and interests in a rapidly changing legislative landscape. How will this affect the future of the sport and the accessibility of outdoor activities like hunting and shooting? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Calgary has lost a cornerstone of its shooting culture.